I have been curious about Marawi City in Mindanao. I’ve been hearing a lot of stories about it. Wild, violent and seemingly dangerous place—these were my perceptions of the capital of Lanao Del Sur Province in Mindanao Island. A lot of people told me not to go there or don’t even bother to think about it or else you might get killed, robbed or kidnapped. And yet curiosity has fueled me to go there—and I got a chance.

Against the wishes of my mother (who went ballistic when she knew my plan and I was already in Cagayan de Oro), I went to Marawi City, which is just about three to four hours away from Cagayan de Oro City.

Marawi City is located in the northernmost shore of Lake Lanao and on the mouth of the mighty Agus River.. Nestled among the hills, it is the bustling center of the Maranao world-different from the rest of the country because approximately 90% of its almost 200,000 residents are Muslims. Indeed, its official name is even called “Islamic City of Marawi,” since locals believe that it may attract funding from Middle East countries. The city synchronizes its beat with the daily rituals of Islam. All throughout the day, the hypnotizing call for prayer dominates the sound of Marawi.

Marawi is also the host city of one of the largest state universities in the Philippines, Mindanao State University.

Marawi City was once called Dansalan, already a settlement during the Spanish times. While Visayan towns were marauded by Moros, Marawi was conquered several times by the Spanish colonial forces in order to subjugate the Maranaos and have them converted to Christianity—yet failed. It was only in the American colonial era that it was successfully integrated within the Philippine borders—a move that would later result to the sporadic rebellion that marred the rest of Mindanao for decades.

Dansalan got its charter in 1940 and then later it became Marawi City in June 1956 which was authored by then Senator Domocao Alonto. Today, it is the commercial, educational and political center of the vastly Muslim Maranao world..

For the next few days, along with my other Mindanao and Visayas blogposts, we’ll explore this vibrant city that was called Dansalan and would have to seemingly rival Baguio as “Summer Capital.” It’s going beyond the borders, going beyond the stereotypes and into the colorful world of Sarimanok and the Maranao people.

Bolos Kano Marawi City and Lanao del Sur! Welcome to Marawi City and Lanao del Sur!

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